Becoming a licensed driver is a significant milestone for teenagers in Wyoming. To reach this landmark, teens must fulfill numerous state-mandated requirements, from procuring a learner's permit to securing an unrestricted driver's license.
In this guide, we will be covering the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in the state of Wyoming. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com. DriversEd is the #1 online driver's education provider in WY. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. DriversEd.com has excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd is there to be your helping hand.
Age Requirements
Teen drivers in Wyoming must meet certain age requirements in order to obtain a driver's license. You must be at least 14 years old to apply for a learner's permit. After obtaining the permit and practicing driving under supervision for a certain period, you can then apply for a driver's license once you are at least 16 years old.
Wyoming Drivers Education
Driver's education is mandatory if you are under 18 years old. This training can be completed either through a traditional driver's education course approved by the Wyoming Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through an online course like the one provided by DriversEd.com. These courses typically include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. We highly recommend utilizing online education as Wyoming is ahead of the game in offering it for coursework. It is a much more convenient setting for learning on your terms.
DriversEd.com
The team over at DriversEd have been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Wyoming that is officially state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.
The DriversEd.com online driver's education course for teens in Wyoming consists of:
- Introduction to Driver's Education: Covering basics of driving, traffic laws, vehicle operation, and driver safety.
- Traffic Laws: Covering speed limits, traffic signs, right-of-way, and more.
- Vehicle Operation: Covering how to start a car, shift gears, and use the controls.
- Driver Safety: Emphasizing the importance of safety and providing tips for staying safe on the road.
- Defensive Driving: Teaching skills to avoid accidents.
- Hazard Recognition and Avoidance: Educating on how to recognize and avoid potential road hazards.
- Alcohol and Drug Awareness: Addressing the dangers of driving under the influence.
- Teen Driving Issues: Discussing challenges that teen drivers face like peer pressure and distractions.
- Final Exam: Testing knowledge of the material covered in the course.
The course is self-paced and available 24/7, making it a convenient option for busy teens. Additionally, DriversEd.com offers a mobile app, a driving simulator, a blog with driving-related articles, and a forum for questions and advice.
Aceable
***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Wyoming*** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in KY. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!
I Drive Safely
***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Wyoming*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try.
Wyoming Learners Permit
Once your driver's education is completed, you can apply for a learner's permit. This involves passing a vision test and a written test.
Eager to ace your WY DOT written exam? Well, here's what you need to know! The exam will challenge your knowledge with 25 questions. To hit the passing mark, you'll need to nail at least 20 of these, giving you an accuracy score of 80%. If you're at least 15 years young, you're eligible to take this exciting step towards driving independence. Now, about the fees – a small investment of $35 will get you seated for the permit test at the WY DOT. Let's get you on the road to success!
With a learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat. You must wear a seatbelt and obey all traffic laws. After at least 6 months of driving practice, you can take the driving test. You will be expected to demonstrate your skills in a variety of driving situations.
Driving Test in Wyoming
Once you have held your Wyoming learners permit, If you pass the driving test, you will be issued a provisional license. This has some restrictions, such as a curfew and a passenger restriction. After having your provisional license for 12 months without any violations, you can apply for an unrestricted driver's license.
WY Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program
Wyoming has a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program designed to reduce the number of teen driving crashes. The GDL program involves a three-phase progression:
- Learner's Permit: Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat. Driving is limited to certain hours of the day and with certain passengers.
- Provisional License: You have some driving privileges but with restrictions such as a curfew and a passenger limit.
- Unrestricted License: Full driving privileges of an adult driver.
The GDL program is beneficial as it provides teen drivers with more practice, a safe driving environment, and gradually increased driving privileges. It's important to adhere to the GDL rules to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in WY have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.
Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.
Safe Driving Tips
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Don't drink and drive.
- Don't text and drive.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Be a defensive driver.
WY Insurance Requirements
Once a teen driver receives their driver's license, they need to be insured. In Wyoming, it is required to have liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident
- $20,000 for property damage in an accident
It is crucial for drivers to have insurance as it protects them financially if they are at fault in an accident. It's also a good idea for parents to review their insurance policy when their teen starts to drive, as the insurance rates may increase due to the added risk associated with teen drivers.
Important Reminders for Teen Drivers
Getting your driver's license is an exciting milestone, but it's essential to remember that driving is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Here are some reminders:
- Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that all passengers are buckled up too.
- Follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and right-of-way rules.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Avoid using your phone while driving, as texting or calling can distract you from the road.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential dangers.
- Practice defensive driving to protect yourself and others on the road.
- Abide by the restrictions on your learner's permit or provisional license.
Remember, safe driving habits take time to develop. With patience, practice, and adherence to the rules of the road, you can enjoy the freedom that comes with being a licensed driver while ensuring the safety of yourself and others around you.
Earning the Right to Drive in Wyoming
Navigating the process of obtaining a driver's license in Wyoming can be challenging, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a smooth journey. Teen drivers must be aware of the age and education requirements, understand the graduated licensing program, be properly insured, and always prioritize safety while on the road.
Whether you choose a traditional driver's education course or opt for an online course like DriversEd.com, remember that the goal is not only to pass the driving tests but to become a safe and responsible driver. As a new driver, it's your responsibility to keep Wyoming's roads safe for everyone. Happy driving!
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